Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025 Jul 28;13(7):e6997. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000006997. eCollection 2025 Jul.
ABSTRACT
The Wang-Yang (W-Y) flap is a novel surgical technique for reconstructing depressed scars and congenital earlobe clefts in pediatric patients. This study evaluated its clinical efficacy and outcomes. Three pediatric patients underwent W-Y flap reconstruction: one with a posttraumatic depressed scar on the lower lip and two with congenital earlobe clefts, 4-14 years of age. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia. For the lower lip scar, a full-thickness incision with meticulous dissection was performed to release surrounding tissue and reconstruct the orbicularis oris muscle, followed by W-Y flap advancement to achieve tension-free closure. In earlobe cleft cases, a similar surgical approach was applied, ensuring optimal contour restoration and functional outcomes. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no complications such as infection, hematoma, or flap necrosis observed at the 1-week follow-up. At the latest follow-up, which exceeded six months in all patients, the majority demonstrated favorable healing, with well-integrated reconstructions, minimal scarring, and no significant pigmentation or deformity. Most patients reported high satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic results. The W-Y flap is an effective and reliable technique for the reconstruction of pediatric lip and earlobe defects. By ensuring robust vascularity and minimal donor-site morbidity, it offers superior aesthetic and functional outcomes with a low complication rate. These findings support its clinical utility as a valuable addition to pediatric reconstructive surgery.
PMID:40727623 | PMC:PMC12303460 | DOI:10.1097/GOX.0000000000006997
